Bait ski and snowboard program coming to W-B

Whistler-Blackcomb takes tough stance on theft

Thieves' Paradise A busy day at the roundhouse leaves many boards and skis unattended and free for the taking. Photo by Scott Brammer.

The RCMP have bait car programs and bait bike programs to
combat thieves, and now, in what is believed to be a first for ski areas,
Whistler-Blackcomb is introducing a bait ski and snowboard program.

Although statistics on theft of ski and snowboard equipment
have remained stable over the last three years, Whistler-Blackcomb’s security
department wants to improve matters.

“We are enacting this new policy to make those thinking about
stealing at Whistler-Blackcomb think again,” said Kevin Rea, Whistler-Blackcomb
Security and Loss Prevention Manager. “We are implementing a bait ski and
snowboard program similar to the RCMP’s bait car and bike programs. Would-be
thieves should take note and understand they will be caught sooner than later.”

Bait cars are equipped with devices that allow police to track
and disable them, as well as video and audio recording devices.

At Whistler-Blackcomb, bait skis and snowboards will be marked
and members of the security team will be watching the equipment. If the skis or
snowboard are taken the thief will be stopped, stripped of whatever pass they
have and turned over to the RCMP.

Although Whistler-Blackcomb hasn’t seen an increase in thefts
over the last three years, spokesperson Tabetha Boot said the reason for
introducing the program now, “Just comes down to guests’ experience. If it
happens to you, it rocks your time here.”

The bait car program is generally credited with reducing auto
theft in the Lower Mainland and across B.C. In May, the Integrated Municipal
Provincial Auto Crime Team announced that auto theft incidents in 2006 dropped
21 per cent in the Lower Mainland and 19 per cent across the province compared
with the same period the previous year. Auto theft has decreased by 43 per cent
in the Lower Mainland since the launch of bait cars across B.C. in 2004.

More than 20,000 vehicles were stolen and approximately 180
people killed or injured in crashes involving stolen vehicles in B.C. in 2005.

At Whistler-Blackcomb, video cameras covering the ski and
snowboard racks outside of all the lodges were introduced several years ago to
help fight theft. Those cameras will remain in place and will be monitored.

Under the bait program, the consequences for thieves have now
been spelled out. For those caught stealing ski or snowboard equipment, passes
will be revoked and a three year ban from being able to purchase pass and
ticket products at Whistler-Blackcomb will be applied, in addition to legal
prosecution. “It is simply unacceptable for a guest’s visit to be ruined due to
loss of their equipment while at our resort,” said Rea.

Anyone caught perpetrating theft from any Whistler-Blackcomb
operations, including retail, rental, food & beverage will be met with
legal prosecution and a full one-year ban from accessing the mountains. Passes
will be revoked and the ability to re-purchase pass products will be denied for
a full year. This policy will be applied regardless of the value of items stolen.

Whistler-Blackcomb provides on-mountain storage for guests
without a lock. Storage locations are on-mountain on both Whistler and
Blackcomb Mountains as well as at the base of Whistler Mountain in the village.
Cost is $2.

Open house Dec. 8

Whistler-Blackcomb is inviting the community to attend its
annual open house on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Legends in Creekside.

The Open House, hosted in a booth format, will have
representatives from various Whistler-Blackcomb departments who will chat about
their roles in making the company the No. 1 ski resort in North America.
Environmental initiatives and accomplishments and details about the Peak to
Peak Gondola will also be available. Marketing and Sales, Food and Beverage,
Ski and Snowboard School, and Retail/Rental will also host booths.

Whistler-Blackcomb’s senior leadership team, including the
mountain’s Chief Operating Officer, Dave Brownlie, will also be on hand to
answer questions.

“This year has been an especially exciting year for
Whistler-Blackcomb,” says Brownlie. “We think it’s important to open our doors
to the community, which has shown us so much support over the years.
Whistler-Blackcomb looks forward to showcasing our accomplishments and our
vision for the future.”

Details about volunteer homestay programs for the Whistler
World Cup, presented by Telus, and representatives from Whistler Heli-Skiing
and Intrawest’s real estate company, Playground will also be available.